cur
Cur (noun) means a mongrel or low-quality dog, especially one seen as vicious or worthless. Example: “A scrawny cur followed them, barking at every passerby.”
How to use cur
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned put-down for a mongrel dog, or, by extension, a despicable person.
Old-fashioned and mostly literary now — you're more likely to meet it in a period novel than everyday speech.
Word forms
curs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A scrawny _____ followed them, barking at every passerby.
Etymology
From Middle English curre, probably related to Old Norse kurr, "grumbling" — likely imitating a dog's growl.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “cur” mean?
The word “cur” means a mongrel or low-quality dog, especially one seen as vicious or worthless. In plain terms, an old-fashioned put-down for a mongrel dog, or, by extension, a despicable person.
How do you pronounce “cur”?
“Cur” is pronounced kur (/kɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cur” in a sentence?
Here is “cur” used in a sentence: “A scrawny cur followed them, barking at every passerby.”
What part of speech is “cur”?
“Cur” is a noun.
Where does the word “cur” come from?
The word “cur” comes from Middle English. From Middle English curre, probably related to Old Norse kurr, "grumbling" — likely imitating a dog's growl.
How many meanings does “cur” have?
“Cur” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mongrel or low-quality dog, especially one seen as vicious or worthless.